Cybersecurity definition
What is Defense in Depth?
By Cyber Tool Stack Editorial TeamUpdated
Definition
A security strategy that layers multiple, different controls — network, endpoint, identity, data — so that if an attacker gets past one, another independent layer still stands between them and the target.
Where Defense in Depth fits in the security landscape
These beginner lessons use this term while explaining the surrounding security control.
Related cybersecurity terms
Zero TrustA security approach that verifies every request based on identity, device, and context, instead of assuming anything is safe just because it's already inside the corporate network.Kill ChainA model that breaks an attack into a sequence of stages — reconnaissance, weaponization, delivery, exploitation, and so on through actions on objectives — on the premise that breaking any single link stops the whole attack.